After Everton’s Premier League win over Crystal Palace on Thursday, May 19, Richarlison responded to the criticism of former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher
This season, Carragher has accused the Brazilian of going down too readily in games in quest of a penalty or a foul.
Everton frustrated Liverpool in the first half of the Merseyside Derby back in April. They attempted to disrupt the game’s flow by wasting time, committing fouls, or even diving, resulting in Anthony Gordon getting booked for simulation. Liverpool won the game 2-0 thanks to two goals in the second half.
Carragher has mentioned Richarlison’s alleged play-acting several times since then. It irritated the striker, who declared that he had “little respect” for the former Liverpool defender.
The Brazilian striker said this after Everton fought back to escape relegation and secure another season in the Premier League. With one game remaining, they overcame Crystal Palace 3-2 at Goodison Park to secure their safety.
At halftime, the Toffees were 2-0 down against the Eagles, thanks to goals from Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Jordan Ayew. Everton, on the other hand, rallied with goals from Michael Keane, Richarlison, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. On the final day of the Premier League 2021-22 season, they will meet Arsenal at the Emirates (May 22).
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Everton’s survival means Leeds United and Burnley will fight it out to escape relegation. Both clubs have the same number of points, but the Clarets have the advantage in goal difference.
Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher’s former team, Liverpool, have already won the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup this season. In the finals of both competitions, they defeated Chelsea on penalties. They’ve also advanced to the Champions League final, where they’ll meet Real Madrid at the Stade de France on May 28.
With only one match remaining, they are still in contention for the Premier League title. On May 15, league leaders Manchester City drew 2-2 with West Ham United. Hence, Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Southampton two days later has narrowed the gap between City and The Reds to just a point.
On May 22, the Reds will play Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield which is their final game of the season.
On the other hand, Aston Villa, managed by Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard, will meet City. Philippe Coutinho, a former Liverpool midfielder, is also on the Villa’s roster. City have a better goal difference than Liverpool, so the Reds must win while Pep Guardiola’s side must lose for coach Jurgen Klopp to win the title.
Villa might thus kill two birds with one stone if they win or draw against Manchester City on May 22 at the Etihad.
